After 52 years of service to the Union County community, a party would be almost a necessity.

That’s exactly what the Union Civitans had Tuesday, Oct. 20, as members — new and old — celebrated the club’s more than half a century’s worth of work.

“It was a big day for us,” said Civitan President Henry Sparrow.

Balloons in the organization’s royal blue and gold signature colors and a cake from Kirby’s Cake Shop with the Civitan International emblem in the center were just part of the party. The group also celebrated by recognizing its oldest members for their service, including the club’s first woman and longest member Lucille Meador. South Carolina District of Civitan International Gov. Fred Lockman and his wife also attended the party.

Union Civitan — as it’s known today — traces its roots to a group of 33 people who, with the assistance of Spartanburg Civitan, reorganized the club in October 1957. Louis P. Jeter was the first president.

Since the club’s reorganization its members have been dedicated to serving not only Union County’s developmentally disabled and handicapped but anyone who needs help.

The club’s biggest fundraisers are its annual Pancake Day — set for March 25 next year — and its barbecue at Uniquely Union.

But those aren’t the only events or activities Civitans participate in or organize throughout the year.

“Union Civitan is a hidden gem, I think,” Sparrow said, adding his club does a lot in the community “under the radar.”

The now-32-member non-profit club also rings the Salvation Army bell during the Christmas season, sponsors the Union Special Olympics, holds clergy appreciation events, sponsors the Dixie Youth Baseball Team, helps with the Union Secret Santa project, assists with the special services of the Union County School District, visits residents of the Special Needs Board homes to deliver cards, flowers and a song for birthdays and contributes to the Civitan Research Center in Alabama.

And that’s just what’s on the club’s regular agenda. That’s not counting the several other projects members take on if a need arises.

A good example of how Civitans assist outside the normal realm of its activities was last year when the club received a request to help a disabled college student who couldn’t get to the library. The club purchased a laptop computer for the student.

“All the money goes right back into Union County,” Sparrow said. “The more money we generate the more that goes back into Union County.”

He said Union County has a lot of needs and Civitans are fortunate enough to be able to help. The club generates at least $8,000 a year from fundraisers and events that goes directly to serving this county.

“As other things arise — when those situations come up — we try to help,” Sparrow said. “All the members contribute. Everybody’s willing to do their part.”

The group has become a family to Sparrow who joined 10 years ago and became club president in September. He was a member of another service group outside Union County when he was invited to a Civitan meeting and when asked if he would like to join he didn’t hesitate.

“It just gives you a good feeling to do the kind of things we’re doing,” Sparrow said. “It’s a good group to work with.”

He said to be a Civitan a person needs to not only be willing to be part of an organization dedicated to service but also to be able to commit themselves to the community.

And the door is open for new members. Sparrow encourages people interested to get involved and attend a meeting. He said the more members the club has the more opportunities Union Civitan has to serve the community.

“We would be happy to have other members join with us,” Sparrow said. “We’re looking forward to Pancake Day and we’re looking forward to bringing in new members.”

FOR MORE

INFORMATION:

To get more information on Civitan International, you can visit its Web site at www.Civitan.com. To become a member or get more information about the Union club, contact either club president-elect Courtney Dean at 427-6270 or club member Sherri McCutcheon at 426-3055.